E G O S P E W

A: Genetically speaking, it is considered poor form.  Except they’ll effing breed anything with anything, just to increase the anythingness.  Originally, somebody decided to cross a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle, to do what . . . make a poodle that would snag dead birds or a lab that required a beauty shop?  Personally, I think they did it just to legitimize a fun name: Labradoodle! It does tickle the tongue, indubitably.

Whoops, I just found this reference regarding their supposed origin:

“In 1989 Wally Conron of Kew, Australia, began crossing Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles to create the Labradoodle because he wanted to have guide dogs suitable for blind people allergic to dog hair.”

Well thanks, Wally, Mr. Socially Responsible Aussie.  Make me feel like a schlumpadoodle.

Q: Relations
So here’s a little brainteaser for you Mensa wannabes.  One of these things is not like the other.  Which, and why?  (And when will the Internet get scratch ’n’ sniff?)

Harrigan	Labradoodle	Monopoly Piece
Tibetan Terrier	Hybrid	Boomer Commercialism
Honda Insight & Owner
Hybrid

A: Okay, it was kind of a trick question. Sorry.
There are several Venn categorizations and relationships applicable, especially when you split the Insight and its Owner into separate entities.

• Three are comprised of meat and bones and two of metal and space-age polymers.
• Three are marketed to Boomers.
• One is marketed to tree-huggers.
• Four are the product of hybridization.
• Two are related directly to me (via blood or adoption).
• Three are dogs yet two are old dogs — the latter only partially intersecting the former.
• Five are cute.

Q: Mendel, Marx, Morphology

Considering dominant/recessive factors of Buddhist monks and Australian missionaries, what would you get if you crossed a Tibetan Terrier (A) with Labradoodle (B)?
This would result in a:

1. Tibelab Terridoodle.
2. Labrat Toodletan.
3. Tibetadood Terrilab.
4. Doodbet Ribrala.
5. All of the above, plus one of every other breed.

A: How many words can you form from BEATLES?
[That'll keep you busy.]